Your Guide to Rental Vehicle Coverage in BC

Understanding ICBC Options for Personal and Commercial Rentals:

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or renting a commercial truck for business, having the right insurance coverage isn’t just smart, it’s essential. In British Columbia, ICBC offers a variety of rental vehicle coverage options designed to protect you when you travel or work across Canada and the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii.

Let’s explore what’s available, what to watch for, and how to make sure you’re covered with confidence.

ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage: What’s Included?

This stand-alone Rental Vehicle Policy is a flexible, short-term solution available for $10 per day (minimum 2-day purchase). It includes:

• Collision and Comprehensive – $300 Deductibles
• Enhanced Accident Benefits – including medical and personal expenses, income replacement, care and recovery
• Loss of Use – Daily limit of $25 and total limit of $250
• Underinsured Motorist Protection – $1,000,000 limit per insured person

This coverage applies to rentals, garage courtesy cars and peer-to-peer car rental platforms like Turo for up to 30 days. Eligible vehicles include passenger cars, motorhomes, motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles under 5,000 kg GVW, with a rental cost not exceeding $300 CAD or $250 USD.

It’s ideal for those who don’t have RoadStar or Roadside Plus coverage and want temporary protection.

Most rental companies offer insurance at the counter or during booking. While convenient, these options are often more expensive than ICBC or private insurance alternatives.

RoadStar and Roadside Plus: Built-In Coverage for Frequent Travellers

If you rent vehicles often, ICBC’s optional packages offer built-in rental coverage across North America:

• RoadStar: has $1 million TPL, Collision & Comprehensive $300 deductibles
• Roadside Plus: provides $2 million TPL, Collision & Comprehensive $300 deductibles

At Reliance Insurance – Choice Matters

We’re happy to offer private optional auto coverage thru Family Insurance Autocover. With similar packages available, it’s a smart move to compare coverage and pricing with us.

Want to Explore Your Options?

Contact Reliance Insurance or visit us in Burnaby to learn more about how rental vehicle coverage can work for you.

Rental Company Insurance: Convenient but Costly

Most rental companies offer insurance at the counter or during booking. While convenient, these options are often more expensive than ICBC or private insurance alternatives. If you plan, you can save significantly while still getting solid protection.

Credit Card Coverage: Proceed with Caution

Many credit cards offer rental vehicle insurance, but this coverage can come with significant limitations:

• Third-party liability may not be included
• Caps on the value of the rental vehicle
• Strict eligibility rules, such as requiring the rental to be charged to the card and booked under the cardholder’s name

Always read the fine print and confirm coverage before relying solely on your credit card.

Business Rentals: Specialized Coverage Options

For businesses renting vehicles, ICBC offers two key policies:

Non-Owned Vehicle Liability

• Up to $5 million for passenger vehicles
• Up to $10 million for commercial vehicles

These policies typically cost between $30 and $46 for the year, offering robust protection at a reasonable price.

Non-Owned Vehicle Damage

• Covers collision and comprehensive damage
• Requires special approval
• May take more than one business day to issue

These are ideal for companies renting commercial trailers or operating vehicles out of province.

Global Coverage: Umbrella Policies

If you’re renting a vehicle outside North America or need higher liability limits, consider purchasing an umbrella policy. These policies can be added to your Home Insurance or Commercial insurance and typically provide extended liability protection globally.

Additionally, Commercial Insurance policies can include collision and comprehensive coverage for vehicles rented by the company, offering a more complete solution for commercial operations.

Final Thoughts: Travel Confidently with the Right Coverage

Whether you’re renting for leisure or business, having the right insurance means peace of mind. At Reliance, we offer a full suite of Auto, Home, and Commercial insurance solutions to keep you protected—on the road and beyond.

• Auto Insurance: We’ll help you navigate ICBC’s rental vehicle options, including RoadStar, Roadside Plus, and stand-alone policies. Plus, the added choice of Family Insurances’ Autocover for your optional coverages.
• Home Insurance: Interested in umbrella coverage? We’ll tie it to your home policy and customize it to your travel needs.
• Commercial Insurance: Renting for business? We’ll guide you through Non-Owned Liability and Damage policies tailored to your operations.

Let Reliance Insurance help you find the right coverage for your unique needs. Whether you’re planning a trip, managing a fleet, or expanding your business, our team is here to support you every step of the way.